EOL Meaning: What Is End of Life for Data Center Hardware?
If a particular model of data center equipment reaches the End of Life (EOL) date means that the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) will no longer produce, market, or sell that specific type of hardware.
Although the company could still offer support, the updates and official maintenance will start to see a significant reduction.
At this point, businesses and consumers can start to consider transitioning to newer versions of the product or to alternative solutions like support from third-party companies to uphold functionality and security.
In other contexts, End Of Life could have slightly different meanings.
For example, in data management, EOL denotes when data becomes obsolete or irrelevant, encouraging archival or deletion. In software, EOL marks the conclusion of the app’s life, raising potential security concerns and compatibility challenges for users.
EOSL Meaning: What Is End of Service Life?
The next phase that data center equipment could reach is the End of Service Life (EOSL), which means the complete end of support from the OEM.
This is the final stage. All services, updates, and general support from the original vendor are discontinued for those network, server, or storage items.
As a result, businesses and consumers are obliged to opt between replacing their hardware with newer versions of the product or trusting third-party companies to provide services and support to their out-of-warranty equipment.
EOL vs EOSL:
What Is the Difference Between EOL and EOSL?
While the Original Company might still offer some support for EOL products, once they reach the EOSL date the support will come to an end.
Usually, OEMs stop supporting older products because they want to focus their attention on making and selling new equipment.
Their business model is to constantly manufacture newer versions of hardware, which is why they can’t keep their support services long-term. They need customers for the newer items.
EOL
End of Life- The hardware equipment is no longer produced, sold, or marketed.
- The OEM could still make updates.
- Extended support from the OEM is still offered, but often at a premium price.
- Third-party maintenance begins to be a reasonable option to reduce costs.
EOSL
End of Service Life- The hardware equipment is no longer produced, sold, or marketed.
- There are no more updates for the product.
- The support from the OEM is discontinued.
- Customers must choose between buying new equipment or hiring a Third-Party company to take care of the support.
The Hardware Equipment Lifecycle
Understanding the hardware equipment lifecycle is essential for effective management and decision-making in IT infrastructure.
GA
General Availability (0-3 years)- The hardware product available for purchase in the market.
- OEMs actively promote and distribute the product to meet consumer demand.
- Support and maintenance services are typically robust, with frequent updates and patches provided by the manufacturer.
EOL
End of Life (3-6 years)- EOL signifies the OEM’s decision to discontinue production of the hardware product.
- Support for the product may start to decline with fewer updates and patches released.
- Customers should begin considering third-party maintenance providers (TPM) or newer hardware solutions as support for the EOL product diminishes.
EOSL
End of Service Life (6 years or more)- EOSL marks the end of official support and maintenance services provided by the OEM.
- The product is no longer actively supported, and firmware updates or patches cease.
- Customers should rely on third-party support or consider hardware upgrades to ensure continued functionality and security.
What Happens When Hardware Systems Reach the End of Their Useful Life?
As data center hardware reaches the end of its useful life, they continue to exist and may still serve a purpose within organizations.
The equipment could be still usable and performing at full capacity, but the lack of support from the OEM poses significant risks, including increased security vulnerabilities and the potential for system failures.
Some of risks associated with using unsupported hardware can be:
- Increased susceptibility to cyber threats and security breaches due to the absence of security updates and patches.
- Potential system failures or downtime which can disrupt operations and lead to productivity losses.
- Incompatibility with newer technologies, obstructing organizational efficiency and innovation.
To address these problems companies can go the OEM way and upgrade the IT equipment to newer models or purchase new hardware to replace the outdated systems.
However this option could be costly and very inefficient because it means getting rid of perfectly usable hardware.
A clever way to deal with EOSL devices is to hire third-party companies like Relutech that offer hardware maintenance services.
These kinds of companies can extend the life of servers, network, and storage devices by offering customized and flexible plans that fit any need.
Opting for this solution can avoid premature hardware replacement squeezing the most out of every data center equipment.
Our TPM Services Include
We offer flexible contract terms for our third-party maintenance services. Whether you need short-term, long-term, or coterminous agreements, we've got you covered. We strive to offer a service that best fits your business timeline and budget.
Hardware Maintenance & Repairs
Get unparalleled hardware support, ensuring minimum downtime.
Data Center Support
Seamlessly manage & optimize your data centers with our expert assistance.
End-of-Life Support
Even when manufacturers pull the plug, we’ve got you covered. Continue getting support for your legacy systems.
Parts Replacement & Upgrades
Equip yourself with genuine, high-quality parts without exorbitant price tags.
8x5xNBD-HPO
Platform
- Asset Management
- Ticket Initiation & Tracking
- Dashboard Analytics & Reporting
- Contract Management
- Renewal Reminders
Helpdesk
- 24x7x365, US Based Helpdesk
- Average Ticket Engagement < 15 mins
- Call Home on Most Storage Products
- SW/FW Guidance On Most OEM Products
- Remote Diagnosis/Triage
- Dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM)
Certified Parts
- 24 Hour Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
- Next Business Day Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
- On-Site Spare Parts Stocking
- Coverage on Consumables
- Defective Media Retention (DMR)
Field Engineering
- Fully Vetted Engineers in 150 Countries
- On-Site Field Engineer in Residency
- On-Site Field Engineer Within 4 Hours
- On-Site Field Engineer on the Next Business Day
re:Leaf
24x7xNBD-HPO
Platform
- Asset Management
- Ticket Initiation & Tracking
- Dashboard Analytics & Reporting
- Contract Management
- Renewal Reminders
Helpdesk
- 24x7x365, US Based Helpdesk
- Average Ticket Engagement < 15 mins
- Call Home on Most Storage Products
- SW/FW Guidance On Most OEM Products
- Remote Diagnosis/Triage
- Dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM)
Certified Parts
- 24 Hour Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
- Next Business Day Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
- On-Site Spare Parts Stocking
- Coverage on Consumables
- Defective Media Retention (DMR)
Field Engineering
- Fully Vetted Engineers in 150 Countries
- On-Site Field Engineer in Residency
- On-Site Field Engineer Within 4 Hours
- On-Site Field Engineer on the Next Business Day
24x7x4-HPO
Platform
- Asset Management
- Ticket Initiation & Tracking
- Dashboard Analytics & Reporting
- Contract Management
- Renewal Reminders
Helpdesk
- 24x7x365, US Based Helpdesk
- Average Ticket Engagement < 15 mins
- Call Home on Most Storage Products
- SW/FW Guidance On Most OEM Products
- Remote Diagnosis/Triage
- Dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM)
Certified Parts
- 24 Hour Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
- Next Business Day Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
- On-Site Spare Parts Stocking
- Coverage on Consumables
- Defective Media Retention (DMR)
Field Engineering
- Fully Vetted Engineers in 150 Countries
- On-Site Field Engineer in Residency
- On-Site Field Engineer Within 4 Hours
- On-Site Field Engineer on the Next Business Day
Custom*
Platform
- Asset Management
- Ticket Initiation & Tracking
- Dashboard Analytics & Reporting
- Contract Management
- Renewal Reminders
Helpdesk
- 24x7x365, US Based Helpdesk
- Average Ticket Engagement < 15 mins
- Call Home on Most Storage Products
- SW/FW Guidance On Most OEM Products
- Remote Diagnosis/Triage
- Dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM)
Certified Parts
- 24 Hour Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
- Next Business Day Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
- On-Site Spare Parts Stocking
- Coverage on Consumables
- Defective Media Retention (DMR)
Field Engineering
- Fully Vetted Engineers in 150 Countries
- On-Site Field Engineer in Residency
- On-Site Field Engineer Within 4 Hours
- On-Site Field Engineer on the Next Business Day
Hardware Line EOSL Dates
* This is not an all-inclusive list
These are the most common past and upcoming EOSL hardware lines that we rent, sell, and support. Click on the logos to learn more about how we can help you.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? No worries – contact us for other manufacturers.
Upcoming Dates
- 7800 Extension Switch (10/31/2024)
- FX8-24 Extension Switch (10/31/2024)
- 6505 Switch (04/30/2025)
- DCX 8510 Director Chassis (04/30/2025)
- DCX 8510 Backbone Switch (04/30/2025)
Upcoming Dates
- Meraki MR72 (04/30/2024)
- Nexus 7000 M2-Series 6-Port 40 Gigabit Ethernet Module with XL Option (05/31/2024)
- Nexus 7000 Supervisor 1 8GB Memory Upgrade Kit (05/31/2024)
- Nexus 5596UP Switch (05/31/2024)
- Nexus 5500 Series Switches (05/31/2024)
Upcoming Dates
- Compellent SC9000 (08/31/2024)
- Compellent SCv2000 (08/31/2025)
- Compellent SCv2020 (08/31/2025)
- Compellent SCv2080 (08/31/2025)
- Compellent SC7020 (08/31/2026)
Upcoming Dates
- Symmetrix VMAX 100K (09/30/2024)
- Symmetrix VMAX 200K (09/30/2024)
- Symmetrix VMAX 400K (09/30/2024)
- Connectrix-Brocade MP-7800B (10/31/2024)
- Connectrix D-Series CNX-S4048 (10/31/2024)
Upcoming Dates
- MSA 400GB Mixed Use Small Form Factor (SFF) Solid State Drives (SSDs) (02/28/2025)
- MSA 400GB Mixed Use Large Form Factor (LFF) Solid State Drives (SSDs) (02/28/2025)
- 2TB 7.2K Small Form Factor (SFF) disk drive (02/28/2025)
- Storage File Controller (Q9D43A) (07/31/2025)
- StoreEasy 1000 (11/30/2025)
Upcoming Dates
- Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) G200 (09/30/2024)
- Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) G400 (09/30/2024)
- Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) G600 (09/30/2024)
- Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) G800 (09/30/2024)
- Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) F400 (09/30/2024)
Upcoming Dates
- Power System S814 (8286-41A) (05/31/2024)
- Power System S822LC Optimized (8335-GCA) (05/31/2024)
- Cloud Object Storage Slicestor S2212A (3403-S10) (06/30/2024)
- Cloud Object Storage Slicestor 2584 (3403-S03) (06/30/2024)
- Cloud Object Storage Slicestor 3448 (3403-S02) (06/30/2024)
Upcoming Dates
- EX4200-24T (06/30/2024)
- EX4200-24T-AFL (06/30/2024)
- EX4200-24T-DC (06/30/2024))
- EX4200-24T-TAA (06/30/2024))
- EX4200-48PX (06/30/2024))
Upcoming Dates
- RackSwitch G8296 (12/31/2024)
- B300 FC SAN Switch (04/30/2025)
- B6505 FC SAN Switch (04/30/2025)
- B6510 FC SAN Switch (04/30/2025)
- Flex System Chassis (10/31/2025)
- RackSwitch G7028 (12/31/2025)
Upcoming Dates
- Beast BT60V (T) (06/30/2024)
- Unity US460 JBOD (10/31/2025)
- Unity 2200 (10/31/2025)
- Unity 2200X (10/31/2025)
- Unity 6900 (10/31/2025)
Upcoming Dates
- Nimble SF300 (10/21/2024)
- Nimble SF100 (10/21/2024)
- Nimble AF20 (07/31/2028)
- Nimble AF20Q (07/31/2028)
- Nimble AF60 (07/31/2028)
Upcoming Dates
- Oracle ZFS Storage ZS5-4, Racked (05/31/2024)
- Oracle Server X5-4 (05/31/2024)
- ZDLRA X7 (06/30/2024)
EOL – EOSL Frequently Asked Questions
What does EOSL stand for?
What is the difference between EOL and EOS?
On the other hand, EOS (End of Service) marks the cessation of support and maintenance services provided by the manufacturer, leaving users to seek alternative solutions for continued functionality and support.
What happens after EOSL?
This means users must rely on alternative maintenance solutions, such as third-party maintenance providers, or consider upgrading to newer hardware versions to ensure continued functionality and support.
Glossary
EOSL stands for End of Service Life, which refers to the stage in a product’s lifecycle when the manufacturer discontinues support and maintenance services.
EOL stands for End of Life, meaning the conclusion of a product’s lifecycle, typically marked by the manufacturer ceasing production.
EOS stands for End of Sale, which refers to the point in a product’s lifecycle when the manufacturer discontinues the sale of the product, typically preceding its End of Life (EOL) phase.
EOA stands for End of Availability, which refers to the stage in a product’s lifecycle when it is no longer available for purchase in the market.
Extend The Life Of Your Data Center
Upgrade Existing Equipment
- Upgrade existing equipment for a fraction of new equipment prices.
- Add disk storage or memory at a fraction of new prices.
- Upgrade processors with refurbished parts.
Extend the Life of Your Existing Systems
- Our extensive inventory of parts can help keep your hardware running for years to come.
Fix Faulty Hardware No Longer Under Warranty
- Replace faulty equipment for companies that are self-maintaining.
- Test/Dev gear or DR systems can be kept running indefinitely.